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| | Gift ideas from The Japan Shop | 
Kokeshi - the charming, collectible Japanese wooden doll
The elegant Japanese Kokeshi doll was first crafted some 250 years ago in the north-eastern To-hoku region of Japan. Traditionally made from cherry wood, dogwood or Japanese maple, with a simply carved body shape, they are painted very precisely but with an almost child-like simplicity that adds to their overall charm.
The Kokeshi can be found in its traditional form (as here on the right - following closely the original shape, design and colours) or in a so-called 'creative' style. This form allows greater variety while retaining the inherent charm of the traditional Kokeshi doll.
MORE ON THE KOKESHI HISTORY & STYLE
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| | Japanese Culture | Traditional Kimono
Say 'Kimono' and most people will instantly have an image in their mind and know it originates from Japan. The word "kimono" indeed comes from the Japanese word for clothing, and the kimono as we know it can be traced back over 1000 years. As it was a very practical, comfortable style of clothing, and fashionable due to the mix of multiple coloured layers, its popularity has lived on. More on the history of the Kimono and Yukata
History of Sushi
Originally a method of preserving food, where the fermenting rice - later discarded - helped to preserve the fish, today's popular version of the Sushi is quite different. These days we dine on 'nigiri-sushi', developed as a 'fast food' around the middle 1800's in what is now Tokyo. Sold originally from street food stalls, the now familiar oblong of rice, topped with a slice of fish, could be eaten easily using chopsticks or fingers, making it very popular. More on the history of Sushi
Japan's Kokeshi doll
The distinctive, elegant Japanese Kokeshi doll was first crafted some 250 years ago. Its history can be traced back to local artisans, known as Kiji-shi, who spent most of their time making household utensils. They began to make small dolls in the winter months to sell to visitors who came to bathe in the hot springs near their villages. Made from wood, with a simply carved body, Kokeshi are painted very precisely - some also finely engraved - seemingly with an almost child-like simplicity that adds to their charm. Each is marked with the artist's signature. More on the history of Kokeshi
The traditions of Sumo
The ancient art of Sumo wrestling became, and remains, the national sport of Japan, but it is more than just a sport. Its use of traditional dress and ancient customs makes it a living example of traditional Japanese culture. Bouts can last for ages, as each 'rikishi' (literally 'strong man') looks for an opportunity to strike at his opponent. When the time comes, the action is often truly explosive. More on the history and traditions of Sumo wrestling
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